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European Funds
GOVERNMENT OF GIBRALTAR PRESS OFFICE
No. 132/201
l7th August 2001
The Government of Gibraltar has previously announced that the Objective 2 Programme for Gibraltar for the period 2000-2006 had been formally adopted by the European Commission.
The Department of Trade, Industry and Telecommunications has responsibility under the Programme for its implementation and is also responsible for publicity measures in accordance with the requirements of the Structural Fund Regulations
The Government has prepared a new brochure covering, in particular, the scope of actions eligible for assistance, details of the available funding and how these funds can be accessed.
The new brochure which is now being launched is to be widely circulated throughout Gibraltar anct the business sectors will be particularly targeted.
This brochure together with a number of other publicity measures are intended to heighten awareness of these funds.
Copies of the new brochure can be obtained from the EU Unit or Business Advisory Unit of the Department of Trade, lndustry and Telecommunications at Suite 771 Europort, or at Suite 631 Europort, respectively.
The Government will also be placing advertisements to foster awareness about the existence of the Programme of Funds.
In Touch-with the GFSB
In conjunction with GBC Television, the Federation are to produce a one hour local series of programmes starting September 2Oth.
The series will be in seven parts and be presented by Fabian Vinent who currently hosts a weekly music programme on Radio Gibraltar.
Marie Lou Guerrero, Chairperson of the Federation, said "The fortnightly programme will cover topics which we hope will be of current interest to the business and general community and it is intended that participation on the panel and via the telephone links will provide a. variety of comments that will make the programme lively and entertaining. We already have a shortlist of subjects and during the forthcoming weeks we will ensure that these are publicised and promoted so that interested parties can prepare themselves."
The first two topics that are to be covered will include, the success and response to the GFSB initiative of the Gib Summer Nights and the new legislation on licensing laws and how they affect businesses.
This arrangement with GBC Television follows on from the successful co-operation that has occurred during the last few weeks when the Karaoke has taken place in Casemates
GOVERNMENT OF GIBRALTAR SPORTS DEPARTMENT
Youngest entrant wins Angling Competition.
David Martinez aged seven won the first place with a combined weight of 6.9 Kilos. Followed by Nathan Hernandez aged 10 in second place with 3.25 kilos and Kvlie Martinez aged 11 in third with 2. 10 Kilos.
The competition which was organised by members of the Gibra1tar Federation of Sea Anglers
supported by the Gibraltar Police Maritime Section who transported all young people and parents to and from the Detached Mole took place on Saturday 28th July.
Second Fishing Competition to be held on Saturday 18th August.
The second and final Fishing tournarnent to be held as part of this years summer prograrnme will take place at the detached mole on Saturday l8th August. AB young people who would like to enter need to contact either Mario Ramos on 72622 or Charlie Carreras on 74377.
Parents are encouraged to accompany their children particularly if they are aged under the age of 12 yrears.
Entrants need heir own line and rod
Bait can include - Concha., bread~ Cheese, hermits, worms etc.
Fish sizes per GFSA rules.
Trophies for the 3 x heaviest aggregate and heaviest fish.
A (non-active) parent or guardian must accompany youngsters under the age of 12 over the age of 16 years.
Entrants are requested to meet at the Port Department headquarters on the North Mole at 7:15 am. where the Gibraltar Police Maritime Section will transport children and parents to the Detached Mole
GIBRALTAR SOCIALIST
LABOUR PARTY PRESS RELEASE
13 August 2001
Violeta Orciel of 2409 Rosemary Court, SWJG, has been confined to a wheelchair for over four years as a result of there being no possibility of a hip replacement because of a Polio condition.
Having beard of the availability of motorised wheelchair, which could assist her in becoming more mobile, Violeta contacted GSLP headquarters and asked for assistance in acquiring one.
The GSLP contacted Shop Mobility and were appraised of the cost of a motorised wheelchair. Mrs Gloria Gordon, however, informed us, that there was a second hand motorised wheelchair in excellent condition at a cost of £1.000. The GSLP therefore contacted a number of entities and raised the funds required to purchase this wheelchair.
We extend our appreciation to the following entities who have each contributed £250 towards the purchase of the wheelchair:
The Rotary Club of Gibraltar
Hassans
Crown Trade & Finance Ltd.
G.A. Olivera & Co.
The GSLP is sure that making available this wheelchair to Violeta will enhance significantly her quality of life.
Gibraltar joins the UK Local Authorities World Heritage
Forum
9th August 2001
Gibraltar, represented by the Director Museums & Heritage, Professor Clive Finlayson, was present at the latest meeting of the United Kingdom Local Authorities World Heritage Forum (LAWHF) that was held iii New Lanark, Scotland. Professor Finlayson gave a presentation on Gibraltar and its rich heritage as pan of a bid to become the first overseas territory to join the Forum. The application was accepted unanimously.
LAWHF provides a platform of discussion and interchange between all Limited Kingdom sites that are have World Heritage status, that are currently nominated or that are, as in Gibraltar's case, in the Tentative List LAWHF meets three times a year and the June 2002 meeting will be held in Gibraltar.
Gibraltar's first Off-Site Cash Machines
Barclays today 8th August 2001 announces that they will be the first bank to offer customers self service access to cash and other services at off-branch locations in Gibraltar.
Following the positive reception to three new cash machines installed at the Barclays Main Street branch late last year, Barclays has now extended their network to include cash machines at two new convenient locations.
The first of these, located within the Shell Shop on Winston Churchill Avenue, will be operational today, with the second at Safeway Europort scheduled later in the summer/early autumn. These units will offer Barclays Gibcard holders access to their cash, both in sterling and pesetas and other services such as mini-statements and online balance enquiries, as well as cash withdrawal facilities for all Visa cards.
"These prime locations will provide extra convenience to customers in Gibraltar, who can carry out many of their banking requirements while shopping or buying petrol. The new cash machines are conveniently located to serve two of Gibraltar's main residential areas as well as traffic on its way to or from the frontier." says Iain Currie, Barclays Gibraltar Director.
"This is particularly important here in Gibraltar where visits to the town centre can be hindered by traffic congestion and car parking difficulties." he concluded.
This initiative reinforces Barclays commitment to the local retail personal banking market and upgrades Gibraltar's banking infrastructure to a level closer to that which customers in other markets take for granted.
Recent growth in volumes at Barclays branch cash machines have demonstrated that there is a real appetite for convenient locations. Barclays has made a substantial investment in their cash machines - over £250,000 since 2000 - and this shows how keen we are to upgrade the range and quality of our service to customers. The latest cash machines are faster and more reliable, and the new locations will provide Barclays customers with even more convenience with Gibcard holders now able to withdraw up to £500 a day.
"Barclays has worked closely with Shell to ensure a smooth implementation and I am delighted with the opportunity to work with another top rank organisation. I now look forward to the increased convenience that this service will bring to our respective customers." Added Iain Currie.
GOVERNMENT OF GIBRALTAR
Press Release No: 129/2001
09 August 2001
Gibraltar Liberalises Telecoms Market with the commencement of the Telecommunication Ordinance 2001
The long awaited Gibraltar Telecommunications Ordinance 2001 was commenced on the 19th July 2001, representing the arrival of full liberalisation of the telecommunications industry in Gibraltar. Telecom liberalisation is the cornerstone of Europe’s transition, lowering the price of communicating, and encouraging innovation and investment in new services and networks.
The effects of liberalisation will be felt over the coming months and it is expected that service, diversity and prices will all see improvement. On-line services, notably via the Internet, will see continued growth, as companies compete with each other to offer new service packages and new pricing formulae. The Government views these developments as fundamental for the growth and development of an Information Society and is major step for Gibraltar and the telecoms industry in general.
At European level, the rules that are currently applied are set out in 7 liberalising measures and 14 harmonising directives and decisions, which have now been complemented by a number of recommendations and guidelines. These have been transposed into Gibraltar law by the Telecommunications Ordinance 2000 and a set of Regulations which transpose into Gibraltar law the following European directives:
(i) Directive 90/387/EEC (on the establishment of the internal market for telecommunications services through the implementation of open network provision) as amended by Directive 97/51/EC (for the purpose of adaptation to a competitive environment in telecommunications).
(ii) Directive 90/388/EEC (on competition in the markets for telecommunications services) as amended by Directives 94/46/EC (on satellite communications), Directive 95/51/EC (abolishing restrictions on the use of cable television networks for the provision of already liberalised telecommunications services), Directive 96/2/EC (on mobile and personal communications) and Directive 96/19/EC (implementing full competition in telecommunications markets).
(iii) Directive 92/44/EEC (on the application of open network provision to leased lines).
(iv) Directive 97/13/EC (on a common framework for general authorisations and individual licences in the field of telecommunications services).
(v) Directive 97/33/EC (on interconnection in telecommunications to ensure universal service and interoperability through application of the principles of open network provision) as amended by Directive 98/61/EC (on operator number portability and carrier pre-selection).
(vi) Directive 98/10/EC (on the application of open network provision) to voice telephony and on universal service for telecommunications in a competitive environment).
The Telecommunications Ordinance 2001 provides for the assignment or conferring of functions on the Minister for Trade, Industry and Telecommunications and to the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority, which has been established as a separate legal body. The previous laws relating to the telecommunications sector were the Wireless Telegraphy Ordinance and Part II of the Public Utility Undertakings Ordinance, which have been repealed, and new provisions for operators wishing to provide telecommunications services and establish or operate of telecommunications networks have been made.
Gibraltar Health Authority
Following comments by the Opposition about the tragic death of a young girl as a result of fulminant meningoccocal septicaemia, the Gibraltar Health Authority wishes to state that immediately upon the death of the child an investigation was carried out concerning allegations made by the family against the medical practitioner on house-call duty. A detailed report from the doctor has now been obtained explaining that at all times he followed standard procedures and visited the patient at home subsequent to initial advice over the phone. During the visit the doctor followed a routine examination but was unable to detect any obvious symptoms of meningitis.
The doctor's version of events will now be discussed by the Authority with the family as part of the investigative process.
The Primary Care Centre emergency house-call system
The Opposition has also questioned the efficacy of the present emergency house-call service operated by the Primary Care Centre,
House calls are primarily for emergency cases only and patients phone or come to the Centre during the day to speak to the doctor or nurse to request a visit. All doctors do house calls in the morning after routine clinics at the Primary Care Centre. In the late afternoon and evening patients phone and speak to the Doctor on Call for emergencies and are advised or visited depending on the doctor's clinical judgement. This system has been operating well for the past twenty-five years.
The number of patients seen at the Primary Care Centre over the past year has been over 88,000 and the number of recorded complaints against doctors has been four.
In the UK the number of GPs on call out of hours is approximately one GP per 60,000 to 80,000 patients so in Gibraltar we are well catered for, as regards emergency out of hc,ur service.
The Incidence of meningitis in Gibraltar
The Opposition has also suggested that the number of meningitis cases in Gibraltar has increased recently
The incidence of meningitis in Gibraltar is around one case per year. This is an average figure and tends to vary between 0 and 4 cases per annum most of the time.
This has been the case since 1987 when the last recorded outbreak occurred in Gibraltar with 20 cases that year.
Against this background, there have been 4 notifications of meningococcal disease this year to date (August 2001). While this number is at the upper end of the range, the GHA's Infection Control Committee which monitors all cases of infection have recorded this year that these 4 cases were caused by different Strains of the bacillus and at widely spread points of time. There is, therefore, no reason to believe that the cases were in any way related or constituted an outbreak Nevertheless, as always, alt the close contacts have been traced and given preventive medication in each instance.
The Gibraltar Health Authority will continue to monitor the incidence of meningococcal disease and inform the public if any further action is required.
Developmental plan in the Health Services
The Gibraltar Health Authority wishes to assure the general public that it is always ready to improve our practices and procedures and for this purpose a review of Primary Care services including the house-call system will form part of the general developmental plan in the Health Services announced recently by Government during the Budget debate.
STATEMENT BY THE GSLP/LIBERAL OPPOSITION
PRESS RELEASE 2947 August 2001
The Opposition has received representations from relatives of the six year old girl who passed away from suspected meningitis last week. The Opposition is seriously concerned at the health authority procedures in this case and at the number of cases of meningitis that there have been recently in Gibraltar.
A spokesman for the Health Authority recently said on television that parents in general need to be more vigilant in order to spot the
symptoms of the disease. It has been suggested to the Opposition that what is the point of parents being more vigilant if the Health Authority itself has been shown to be sadly lacking in this respect.
The Opposition has been advised that in the tragic case that took place last week, the doctor on call was telephoned by the family a number of times. The family claim to have told him that the little girl had blue toes, blue fingertips and blue lips. The family say that the response from the doctor, who came across to them as being reluctant to be called out on a house call, was that this was normal dehydration and he advised them to purchase dyarolite and give her panadols.
Not satisfied with this, the little girl was taken to the accidents and emergency department of St Bernard's Hospital on the initiative of her family and not on the advise of the doctor or the Health Authority.
The Opposition consider that there is a need for an in-depth independent investigation into the circumstances of this case to be conducted by someone outside the Health Authority. There is also a need to have clear-cut rules on housecalls particularly when those involved are the elderly or the very young who are the most vulnerable in the community. It would seem that the Government's intention in doubling the cost of calling a doctor in order to cut out frivolous house calls has not resulted in the doctors being more willing to attend those that are genuine. The rules under which health centre doctors are required to provide a house call service
needs to be reviewed as a matter of urgency if the present system results in this kind of situation.
GOVERNMENT OF GIBRALTAR
PRESS RELEASE No. 128/2001
Date: 3rd August 2001
The
Government has noted with concern further press reports of Sr Piqué's
remarks yesterday. It appears from Sr Piqué's remarks that he
may be harbouring hopes that Gibraltar will resume participation
in talks under the Brussels Agreement structured as they were
prior to 1988 and with bilateral Anglo-Spanish structures and
committees. There is no prospect of Gibraltar doing that. Many
of the remarks attributed in the media to Sr Pique are
incompatible with the Gibraltar Government's longstanding and
well known terms for attending such talks.
Anglo Spanish
Working Groups
The
Government notes that Sr Pique has once again referred to an
alleged agreement to set up "Anglo-Spanish working
groups" to discuss issues ranging from military, finance
and economic matters, and the development of services. Sr Pique
has said that those groups will begin to meet in September. The
British Government has, once again, confirmed to the Gibraltar
Government that no such agreement has been reached, no such
groups have been established, nor will they meet in September.
Britain
expects that the two Co-ordinators will meet in September only
to begin discussions about the framework of future meetings.
For its part
the Gibraltar Government has already made publicly clear last
week that Anglo-Spanish Committees are not an appropriate
mechanism through which to conduct mutually beneficial
co-operation between Spain and Gibraltar. The Gibraltar
Government could not participate in a process that was so
structured.
Sovereignty/Self
Determination
It is not
clear whether Sr Piqué has ruled out a discussion of Gibraltar's
right to self determination. It is wholly unrealistic for Sr
Piqué to expect to be free to raise the issue of sovereignty but
that Gibraltar should not be free to raise the issue of self
determination. Gibraltar could only participate in such a
process of dialogue, if it were truly on the basis of an open
and unconditional agenda. The Chief Minister would, very
especially, wish to use Brussels talks to advocate our right to
self determination. Spain's current non-recognition of our right
to self determination cannot be an obstacle to its discussion,
just as we accept that Spain will raise the issue of sovereignty
even though we do not recognise any right or merit to their
claim.
Gibraltar's
status at any talks
The Gibraltar
Government's terms for participation are longstanding, clear and
well known. They include a separate voice. That in turn means
being present with full participation rights, using that
separate voice, in all parts of Brussels process talks.
Gibraltar could not therefore participate in any talks in which
the Chief Minister could only participate "when matters of
his competence are being discussed". All issues (without
exception) affecting Gibraltar are necessarily within the
competence of the Chief Minister of Gibraltar in political or
technical dialogue.
Telephones
The EU
telecom complaints cannot be dealt with in a bilateral political
process of dialogue and barter. Nor does Spain "allocate or
grant" telephone lines to Gibraltar. Spain's ability to
interfere or intervene is limited to restricting subscriber
numbers in Gibraltar's own, unlimited, international numbering
plan which are accessible by Spanish subscribers.
Sr Piqué's
"offer" falls well short of complying with Spain's EU
obligations and our EU rights. His conditioning of the offer by
saying that numbers that he gives must not be used to compete
with Spain or in relation to our finance centre simply
underscores the reason why Spain's position on telephones is
both illegal and unacceptable. Also unacceptable is Sr Piqué's
statement that the offer on telephones represents a first move
in a "gradual process" involving sovereignty
negotiations as well.
Sovereignty/Co-operation
As far as the
Gibraltar Government is concerned Brussels Agreement talks must
be on an open agenda basis for all sides. That means that all
sides must be free to raise any and all issues. It is therefore
inappropriate for progress on co-operation to be made
conditional on progress on sovereignty.
Sr Pique says
that the supposed "Anglo-Spanish working groups" will
deal with issues, including military, economic, financial and
provision of services "in a way that allows progress on
issues that affect the sovereignty of Gibraltar at the same time
as other issues relating to co-operation".
The Gibraltar
Government is not willing to trade sovereignty for cooperation.
Nor is Britain willing to make sovereignty concessions
("progress" in Spanish terms) without our consent.
Accordingly, any process of dialogue in which progress on
cooperation were linked to progress (for Spain) on sovereignty
would necessarily produce no progress on co-operation and would
thus seem to be doomed to failure.
A
constructive process of dialogue, in which the Gibraltar
Government would be happy to participate, necessarily has to be
structured on a basis which is acceptable to all parties.
Risks of
Meningitis
The Gibraltar Health Authority deeply regrets to report the tragic death of a young child from acute fulminant meningococcal septicaemia. This press release is intended to inform the residents of Gibraltar about the risks from this disease and address public anxiety on the subject.
Meningococcal septicaemia is caused by the meningococcus, the same bacterium that causes meningitis. Meningococcal infections are very uncommon in our society (less than 1 per year) and Septicaemia is a rare form of the disease that develops particularly rapidly and is very difficult to diagnose and treat. Further, regrettably in this form of the disease, despite promised diagnosis and full treatment, more than half the cases tend to be fatal.
Parents are urged to familiarise themselves with the symptoms and signs of meningococcal infections and consult their doctor if they have any concerns. With this in mind, several press and public information campaigns are conducted every year to educate the public about this rare but serious disease. Earlier this year a colour leaflet containing essential information about meningitis was sent to every household in Gibraltar. Leaflets are always available at the Immunisation clinic.
The Authority this year began a programme of immunising all the children of Gibraltar against meningococcus group C and has in less than six months successfully immunised all children under the age of 5 years. The programme is based on the programme recommended by the UK authorities which gives first priority to high risk groups, but has been accelerated by the Gibraltar Health Authority to cover the local population more quickly. It is expected to cover the entire population of children by next year.
Once again, the public need to be reminded that the vaccine protects only against the C strain. Vaccination does not carry any protection against other strains and vigilance is still the main way of meningitis prevention.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
Visit by HRH the Earl of Wessex
The Chairman and Members of the National Award Council of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award in Gibraltar are pleased to announce the visit of His Royal Highness Prince Edward The Earl of Wessex.
In his capacity as Chairman of the International Council of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award International Association His Royal Highness will arrive in Gibraltar on Thursday 30th August 2001 to take part in the local Award's 30th anniversary celebrations.
As part of a busy schedule HRH will meet with local Award leaders, Council members and Sponsors. He will also be presenting participants with their Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards at a ceremony on Thursday.
Other events include visiting Gold participants involved on the Residential Project "The Gibraltar Odyssey" which is taking place during that week. In addition he will be in attendance during the 3rd Regional Conference of the European, Mediterranean and Arab States Region of the Award which Gibraltar is hosting for the first time, in which some 15 countries will be represented.
It will not all be hard work as his programme will include the opportunity to see some of what Gibraltar has to offer in addition to being the guest of honour at the Award's 30th anniversary dinner. Mr James Gaggero, who is
Chairman of the Award, said that he was delighted that HRH Prince Edward would be sharing their celebration of 30 successful years in Gibraltar. He felt it was a fitting acknowledgement of the importance of Gibraltar's place in the international family of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, and of the sterling efforts of all those involved in delivering the Award in Gibraltar.
During his visit HRH will be the guest of HE the Governor at the
convent.
The Earl of Wessex will depart on Saturday 1st September 2001.
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